Sea Eagles CEO in it for love of league

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RUGBY LEAGUE: Incoming Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles chief executive Phil Reeves says he took up the position for his love of rugby league and the region and not for the money.

The Former Queensland Sports Minister will put his feet under his new desk on Monday, replacing Mark Brune who was forced to quit last week because of family issues after just a fortnight in the position.

Reeves' appointment was a rollercoaster ride - he heard of the vacancy on the weekend, met with Sea Eagles chairman Peter Boyce on Tuesday and was given the nod on Wednesday.

Prior to being elected to parliament as the Member for Mansfield, Reeves studied sport and leisure management at university and volunteered for 10 years as a sports administrator.

He has also served as the secretary of the Brothers rugby league club in Brisbane.

Reeves lost office at this year's state election and he and his family had been exploring business opportunities on the Sunshine Coast.

They had planned to relocate to the region but the swift manner in which he secured the position fast-tracked the move.

Reeves' appointment is a feather in the cap for the Sea Eagles and while his salary would be well under what he could earn elsewhere, he said he was not in it for financial gain.

"I'm not coming up for the money, far from it," he told The Daily from Brisbane yesterday.

"My passions and great loves are the Sunshine Coast and rugby league.

"It's a big step for me and my family, but I feel it's the right step."

Peter Betros was yesterday elected chairman of the Queensland Rugby League, replacing the retiring John McDonald.